Question 730871
x = # of laps Tom ran

y = # of laps Tim ran



y = x since "tom ran as far as Tim"


x+y = 51 because "theyb ran a total of 51 laps around the track"


-------------------------------------------------------


x+y = 51


x+x = 51 ... plug in y = x


2x = 51


x = 51/2


x = 25.5


So they each ran 25.5 (25 and a half) laps